“They’re okay. Dad is in his glory being back there. I’m not sure why he retired so early.” Matt picked up a sandwich half and took a bite.
“It’s good that you have the extra help.”
“I guess. How long do you plan on staying around?”
“I haven’t decided yet.” Warning bells sounded in her head.
“You can stay permanently.”
“That’s not an option.” She kept her voice calm but firm. “I have another life awaiting me.”
“Think about it, Monie. We could make a nice life for Emily.”
“This conversation is making me very uncomfortable.” An uneasy shiver shot through her. “I think you should stop.”
“I’m serious. I asked out of grief that day at the hospital, but the more I think about it, the more sense it makes. A part of me has always loved you.” He reached for her hand, but she deftly avoided it.
Standing to her feet, she moved from the table. “No, it doesn’t make sense. I love Rex and my life is with him. No matter how much I love Emily, what you’re asking is not a possibility. In fact, I think it’s best if you go back to work now.”
Matt had also stood from the table and was walking toward her. He reached out, as though about to embrace her, when the front door open. Monica breathed a sigh of relief as he backed away and left without a word.
Seconds later her mom walked through the doorway. “Is everything okay dear? I passed Matt leaving as I was coming in, and he looked upset.”
“I need to leave, Mom.”
“Okay, let me get settled first.”
“No. I need to leave the valley and go home.”
Jane’s eyebrows shot up. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Matt asked me to stay. In the hospital right before the funeral, he asked me to marry him. He was overwrought with grief. When I introduced Rex to him, he ran out, and Rex followed. They had a talk, and I thought that was the end of it.” She stopped to catch her breath, which still came ragged from the encounter with Matt. “Then he came today to pick up a file and asked again. He doesn’t know what he is even talking about. I can’t keep doing do this. I love Emily and want to be her for her, but I think it’s best for now if I go.”
“Oh, my poor darling, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize.” Jane moved to give her a hug, and Monica allowed her, soaking in the comfort. “I think you are right. Matt has taken this harder than anyone could have imagined, and he’s not thinking clearly. While no fault of your own, your presence may be causing more problems.”
“I’ll talk to Rex and see if he can fly up Friday after work. If so, we’ll fly out Saturday. I can’t stay here any longer.”
“I understand.” Jane’s features pinched. “If Rex can’t fly up, your dad will go with you. Please let him. I know you like your independence, but you’ve been through quite a few storms and the company will be good for you.”
“If Dad doesn’t mind, I’d like that, but let me talk to Rex first.”
“Okay, sweetheart. I’ll take over here. You go do what you need to.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
She went upstairs to tell Emily bye, even though she was still asleep, then gathered her belongings and left. Her cell phone beeped again, and she remembered Rex had called earlier while she was changing Emily. The beep must be a message from him. She typed in her pass code to listen.
“It’s me. Just wanted to tell you we wrapped up everything with the case today. I was thinking about spending the weekend in New Orleans with Jenna since I haven’t spent much time with her lately. Give me a call when you can. I love you.”
Monica smiled from hearing his voice and knowing he’d be able to fly up this weekend. She knew Rex would defer his trip when she told him what had happened. Maybe they could invite Jenna to visit them the following weekend. She dialed his number, hoping he wouldn’t be busy so they could talk.
He answered with that slow, laidback accent she loved about him. “You caught me at a good time. I just took a lunch break.”
“I got your message. How set are you on seeing Jenna this weekend?”
“Not set at all now. She has a new boyfriend, and for some reason, she thinks her big brother might try to interfere with that.” Rex chuckled. “I guess I didn’t help my case when I grilled her about him.”
“You’re only doing what any good big brother would.” She wrapped a strand of hair around her finger. “I need to talk to you about something that happened.”
